Following our blog about the emergency provisions being made for families and workers struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, Newham Council have launched a Here to Help booklet. The new booklet lists help available by subject (Money, Housing, Food, Energy and Health). Newham has one of the most extreme contrasts between affluence and poverty in one neighbourhood. But its problems are being replicated for families up and down the UK. This needs to be addressed by central government but in the meantime we don’t have to sit by while people on our doorstep choose between eating or heating. Here are five things that all businesses can do to help with the cost-of-living crisis…
- Become Living Wage accredited
We became London Living Wage accredited almost exactly one year ago. In that time, as well as leading the way in our sector and ensuring that the people we pay are earning enough to live on, we have become part of the Royal Docks Living Wage Action Group, attended numerous high-profile events and are now part of a strong local network of like-minded organisations. Together we’ve helped make a real difference to the lives of local people. To become accredited and find out more, simply click here.
- Educate other businesses about becoming Living Wage accredited
You don’t have to be Living Wage accredited to raise awareness of it: you could be an employee or a sole trader, retired or unable to work. Anyone can help spread the word about the Living Wage – whether that’s by following the Living Wage Foundation on social media and sharing their posts, blogging, talking to the people in your life, joining a campaign group near you or attending special events. All of us can do our bit.
- Join an action group or campaign
While every little helps and campaigning as an individual or a business will make a difference, by joining forces we can really change lives. The Royal Docks Action Group now has both ExCel London and London City Airport as members and our aim is to increase the number of employers paying a London Living Wage by 50% by 2025. This would equate to a significant pay rise for 3000+ workers. Wherever you live or work there is likely to be a local group taking action against poverty – and if there isn’t you could always start one!
- Donate goods, services or time
There are loads of practical ways that you could help your community. If you have a premises with good footfall maybe you could become a food bank collection point? Maybe you could offer your services for free to local people who are struggling financially? Or maybe you and your employees could donate some time to volunteering for a local charity tackling poverty?
- Signpost to help
When people are struggling just to get by they don’t have the time, energy or resources to research what help they might be entitled to. You can help by posting links to sources of support, blogging about them, putting posters up in your premises and generally spreading the word.
On that note, once again, if you or someone you know in Newham is struggling with the cost-of-living crisis you can read more about the ‘Here to Help’ booklet here.
And, if you are a business, you can also help by supporting Living Wage accredited suppliers so please call us on 0208 590 0922 or email us at info@marcomedia.co.uk for anything design, print or web related.